Lead Social Worker MSW

Position Information

FTE: 1.0 (80 hours / pay period)

Exempt: No

Any Shift: Hours per schedule

Weekend & Holiday Rotation: Per schedule

Pay Grade: 13

Position Summary

The Lead Social Worker MSW plays a pivotal role in carrying out the mission of the organization providing high quality care to patients hospitalized on the mental health unit. This role oversees the development, coordination and implementation of group therapy sessions for patients on the psychiatric unit.   Lead MSW works closely with other professionals (ie, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology) in program development and patient care. Conducts group and individual therapy sessions daily, and documents patient progress.  Serves as a resource to the direct care counselors and provides education on best practices that can be incorporated into therapeutic individual and group interactions with patients. Participates in orientation of new counselors. Conducts individual assessments and makes recommendations to the treatment team in the establishment of the treatment plan. Takes a systems approach to care planning and treatment. Engages with patient’s natural supports in family meetings with patients in order for patients to successfully transitions back into their home environment. Works with the mental health social worker in discharge planning and utilization review, as appropriate to the needs of the patient population. Manages crisis response to the Emergency Department. This position actively participates in community-wide initiatives and teams to improve overall health and wellbeing of the population.

Responsibilities

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(50%)*  Conducts group and individual therapy daily. These therapies provide patients with psycho-education on their illness and skills to better adjust to hospitalization, crisis management, self-management of symptoms, decision making, illness adjustment, ethical and legal concerns, discharge and transitional care needs, trauma, financial problems, treatment compliance issues, substance use and other psychosocial barriers to maximizing health status.

(20%)*  Responsible for program development and expansion including creating and delivering evidence-informed treatment to patients and creating and delivering educational materials appropriate for families and caregivers. Mentors, educates and works closely with direct care counselors using evidence based best practice methods.  Manages crisis response to the Emergency Department and oversees the social workers providing crisis care. Participates with community wide initiatives and programs to improve health and well-being.

(20%)*  Collaborates with the members of the interdisciplinary team on an ongoing basis in the planning, assessment, implementation and evaluation of the treatment plan that will lead to a discharge plan that will meet the comprehensive needs of the patient in their environment to avoid readmission.

(10%)*  Accurate documentation of patients’ response to group and individual therapy that supports charges for these services.

Identify the need for and facilitate family meetings as appropriate in order to ensure understanding, comfort and decision- making for patient’s discharge plan.

 

 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Integrate relevant theories of family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths based, solution focused and meaning of illness into every work with patients.

Participate in care coordination efforts to identify high-risk factors and respond appropriately so that key information is captured and documented. Participates in daily team meetings.

Collaborates care with outside agencies.

Builds professional relationships with patient, families and the treatment team to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes.

Communicates teamwork, caring and compassion

Provides excellent customer service in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the health system.

Assume responsibility for continuing professional development and maintains licensure.

Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to evidence based standards and organizational policies/procedures for the adult and older adult populations.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

* Masters Degree in Social Work required.
* Masters of Social Work license in the State of Michigan required.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

Mandatory Recipient Rights training within 30 days of hire and annually.

Mandatory nonviolent crisis intervention and physical management training (CPI) within 90 days of hire and annually thereafter.

Training and experience, and/or demonstrated competency including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and transition planning; techniques in individual, family and group therapy; awareness of community resources, public assistance and entitlement programs, ensuring transition to appropriate levels of care; and issues relating to age and stage of development, special needs and cultural patterns of patient population served.

Knowledge of social work practices and processes related to the care of the psychiatric patient.

Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Adherence to the National Associate of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.

Must follow MidMichigan Health and The Michigan Mental Health Code mandatory educational competency requirements.

Must follow MidMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen education as required.

MidMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MidMichigan Health. 

Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Conditions

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.  

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

 

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

 

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

 

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

 

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MidMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

 

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

 

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

 

Physical Demand Level: Light.  Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.